According to The South African, players chasing South Africa’s lottery jackpots face a multi-million rand landscape where standard entries cost R10 per board, while optional add-ons like PowerBall Xtra require an extra R5 per board. Ticket sales at physical lottery outlets close at 8.30pm on the evening of a draw, which happens at 9pm.
Ticket Prices and Sales Cutoffs for PowerBall Draws
As noted by The South African, an entry fee of R10.00 per board applies to the main PowerBall draw, which requires selecting five main numbers from 1 to 50 alongside one PowerBall number from 1 to 16. Standard entries cost R10 per board including VAT. For an additional R5 per board, participants can opt into PowerBall Xtra, which gives players a second chance to win with odds that are the same, while prizes are usually slightly lower.
Physical lottery outlets shut down ticket sales at 20:30 on the day of a draw. However, participants can also purchase entries through the official national lottery website, the National Lottery Mobile App, or via participating banks, namely FNB, ABSA, Nedbank, Standard Bank, Capitec, TymeBank and African Bank, as reported by The South African. Mobile users can also dial 1207529# for USSD.
Record Prizes and Historical Context
South African lottery history includes extraordinary payouts, with information shared by The South African pointing out that the largest prize ever awarded across any local lottery game occurred in the PowerBall when a single winner claimed a staggering R232 131 750.69 during the draw on 19 February 2019. Jackpots fluctuate based on rollovers and ticket sales ahead of each Tuesday and Friday event broadcast on e.tv (channel 194) and SABC at 21:00 (SA time).
Pro Tips for Checking Results
While publishing platforms like The South African and The Citizen provide fast updates shortly after the draw, players must always confirm the official winning numbers on the National Lottery website.
Support Systems for Major Winners
Big wins come with built-in institutional support. Professional psychologists provide complimentary trauma counselling and accredited financial advisors offer free financial guidance to individuals who secure R50 000 and above, as detailed by The South African. Furthermore, winnings are paid tax-free directly into the winner’s accounts.
Did You Know?
Eligibility to play any National Lottery game in South Africa is strictly restricted to individuals who are 18 years old, as outlined by The South African.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of a standard PowerBall ticket?
PowerBall entries cost R10 per board including VAT. PowerBall Plus costs an additional R5 per board.
When do ticket sales close on draw nights?
Lottery outlets close at 8.30pm on the day of a draw, which happens at 9pm.
Are lottery winnings taxed in South Africa?
Explore more updates, check historical numbers, and join the conversation by leaving a comment below or subscribing to our daily lottery alerts.